Language Proficiency Growth Lesson Planning Guide for ELLs

When language development is intentionally embedded into daily instruction, educators can help accelerate language proficiency growth.

Students need consistent opportunities to develop the academic language skills measured across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This guide provides a simple, four-step framework for planning ELL lessons that support language development alongside grade-level learning, helping educators:

• Pinpoint language needs using proficiency data and classroom evidence
• Plan with purpose by identifying the language students need to access content and demonstrate learning
• Develop all four language domains through structured opportunities for listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• Build student independence with targeted scaffolds that support language growth and ownership of learning
• Accelerate proficiency growth and help multilingual learners progress toward assessment success and reclassification

Whether supporting newcomers, long-term English learners, or students nearing proficiency, this guide provides practical strategies for making language growth an intentional part of every lesson.

Complete the form to download the Language Proficiency Growth Lesson Planning Guide now.